Do I need a septic system contractor license in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires septic system contractor contractors to hold a Tennessee Septic System Contractor license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C). Apply through https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html with a typical $1,200 total fee (range $175-$7,000) and a 1-3 year renewal cycle. Verify the exact classification with the board before submitting.

Which board handles septic system contractor licensing in Tennessee?

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C) is the relevant authority shown in the Tennessee licensing seed for this page. The verification or application URL in the loader is https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html.

How much does a septic system contractor license cost in Tennessee?

The recorded licensing cost range is $175-$7,000, with a typical total around $1,200. That range comes from the page loader and covers application, exam, bond, insurance, or registration costs where they apply.

Are TN plumbers licensed?

Yes. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors issues plumbing classifications + limited licensed plumber for small jobs.

Do I need a license to work as a septic system contractor in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires septic system contractor contractors to hold a Tennessee Septic System Contractor license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors Limited Licensed Plumber. Always confirm pricing and licensing with a verified local pro.

¿Necesito licencia para trabajar como septic system contractor en Tennessee?

Tennessee requiere contratista de sistemas sépticos contratistas tener una Tennessee Contratista de sistemas sépticos licencia de la Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors Limited Con licencia Plomero. Always confirm precios and licensing with a verificado local pro.

Septic System Contractor license in Tennessee (2026)

Required license type

Tennessee licenses contractors for projects of $25,000 or more (or any swimming pool $5K+) through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Home Improvement is registered for residential projects between $3,000 and $25,000 in select counties.

Application requirements

Working as a septic system contractor in Tennessee typically requires submitting an application packet to the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C) — including proof of experience, exam scores, and insurance.

Proof of relevant trade experience or apprenticeship hours
Passing score on the state trade exam(s)
General liability insurance + workers' comp
Surety bond filed with the board (when required)
Business entity registration with the Secretary of State
Background check + license fee submitted with packet

This is the standard packet most U.S. state boards require. Verify the exact list with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C) before applying — requirements change by trade classification.

Fees and renewal cycle

Total cost to become a licensed septic system contractor in Tennessee ranges from $175 to $7,000 (typical $1,200). The range covers application + exam fees, bond + insurance premiums, and the first year of business registration.

Floor

$175

Typical

$1,200

Ceiling

$7,000

Most state boards renew on a 1-3 year cycle and require continuing education credits. Verify the exact renewal window and CE requirement with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C) — late renewal typically triggers a reinstatement fee.

Reciprocity with neighboring states

Tennessee borders 8 other launched states ProFix Directory tracks. Reciprocity is set by each state board individually — check the destination state for the current rule before relying on it.

Where to apply

Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C)

Open the board lookup →

Board phone: +1-615-741-8307

Tennessee licenses contractors for projects of $25,000 or more (or any swimming pool $5K+) through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Home Improvement is registered for residential projects between $3,000 and $25,000 in select counties.

Why ProFix verifies every septic system contractor

Every pro we list in Tennessee is matched against the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C) record, the Secretary of State business registry, and OSHA inspection data. We surface license status, revocation history, and bond filings on every profile so homeowners can shortlist verified pros without trusting a single review-platform score.

See the full verification methodology →

Common questions

Do I need a septic system contractor license in Tennessee?: Tennessee requires septic system contractor contractors to hold a Tennessee Septic System Contractor license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C). Apply through https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html with a typical $1,200 total fee (range $175-$7,000) and a 1-3 year renewal cycle. Verify the exact classification with the board before submitting.
Which board handles septic system contractor licensing in Tennessee?: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Limited Licensed Plumber (CMC-C) is the relevant authority shown in the Tennessee licensing seed for this page. The verification or application URL in the loader is https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html.
How much does a septic system contractor license cost in Tennessee?: The recorded licensing cost range is $175-$7,000, with a typical total around $1,200. That range comes from the page loader and covers application, exam, bond, insurance, or registration costs where they apply.
What requirements should Tennessee septic system contractor applicants verify?: Tennessee licenses contractors for projects of $25,000 or more (or any swimming pool $5K+) through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Home Improvement is registered for residential projects between $3,000 and $25,000 in select counties.
Are TN plumbers licensed?: Yes. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors issues plumbing classifications + limited licensed plumber for small jobs.

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Licensing facts shown for this trade are anchored to the closest related Tennessee state board. Seed-backed numbers are used wherever a hand-curated entry exists.

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